Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4 1968 as he was giving a speech in Alabama. His policy of non-violence and peace through words had earned him a Nobel Peace Prize years before in 1964, and led to landmark new laws and developing attitudes in the US. His legacy has endured in American politics, as Dr King’s words are still called forth when it comes to issues of discrimination and race relations. The US government passed a national holiday in his honour during the 1970’s, celebrated each year around the time of the late baptist minister’s birthday.
Why is MLK Day today?
Martin Luther King Day is an American federal holiday recognised by the US government, which means non-essential government offices are closed.
The day was officially introducedd in 1971, and is primarily a recognition of Martin Luther King’s birthday.
Dr King was born on January 15 1929, but the celebration won’t necessarily fall on this same date each year.
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Given January 15 will not always fall on a Monday, lawmakers instead decided the holiday would always take place on the third Monday of January.
This guarantees a date close to the civil rights leader’s birthday, and a day off for federal employees.
MLK Day is celebrated in honour of Dr King himself, so many people don’t see it as a day off but as a day of action.
According to the US National Service website, Martin Luther King Day should be a “day on, not a day off”.
The organisation suggests the day is best celebrated with community service and empowerment.
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How old would Martin Luther King be today?
Martin Luther King’s birthday actually took place six days ago on January 15.
Last week, the activist would have turned 90 years old, and today his birthday has been marked across the US with hundreds of landmark events.
Dr King’s daughter, Dr Bernice King, talked today at the Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Service in Atlanta today.
The King Centre – established by Dr King’s widow Loretta Scott King – has asked those outside of the state to take part in volunteer service for the day.
Donald Trump has engaged in very limited celebration of the day, arriving at Washington’s National Mall for some brief remarks on January 21.
The President only made the impromptu trip after heavy criticism when the White House schedule included no official commemorations for the day.
American civil rights activist and Baptist minister Reverend Al Sharpton railed against Trump, saying the President’s failure to honour Dr King was “an insult to the American people”.